Chocolate Spreads: Our Gourmet Selection

The undisputed star of breakfasts and afternoon snacks, chocolate spread is a true institution. But with an overwhelming selection ranging from timeless classics to artisanal gems, making a choice can be difficult. How do you find that hidden treasure? What are the criteria that truly matter to ensure you make the right decision?

As a product selection expert at Joybuy, my mission is simple: to cut through the jungle of labels for you and guide you to the best choice. This guide is designed to present options for every palate and give you the keys to understanding what's really inside each jar.

How to Choose the Right Chocolate Spread?

Before diving into our selection, let's review a few essential points to check. These criteria will help you read between the lines on labels and find the jar that will satisfy all your cravings.

1. A Closer Look at the Composition: Ingredients and Oil

The ingredients list is the first clue to the quality and character of a chocolate spread. The golden rule: the first ingredient listed is the most abundant. Some recipes are heavy on sugar, while others put hazelnuts front and centre.

The palm oil issue has become a major deciding factor for many consumers. In response, more and more brands are offering alternatives based on sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, or cocoa butter. A palm oil-free spread is not just a conscious choice; it's also the promise of a different texture and taste that are well worth exploring.

2. The Hazelnut Percentage: The Crucial Factor

For purists of hazelnut spread, this number is crucial. It determines the intensity of the flavour. While a 13% content is the market standard, some hidden gems, often called hazelnut cream, can go as high as 25%, 40%, or even more. A high percentage is almost always a guarantee of a bolder hazelnut aroma and a more refined texture.

3. The Hazelnut-Chocolate Balance: A Matter of Taste

The other star in the jar is, of course, the cocoa. The right balance between the power of the hazelnut and the intensity of the chocolate is a very personal matter. Some recipes, rich in cocoa, border on a ganache, while others let the hazelnut take the lead. A quick look at the composition (cocoa and hazelnut percentages) will give you a good idea of the flavour profile.

Recommended Chocolate Spreads to Consider

Here are the products that caught our attention, whether for their ingredients, origin, or unique taste. From comforting classics to artisanal gems, there's something for every food lover.

BUENOS DIAS Hazelnut Cream 200g

What sets it apart: Made in France, this spread stands out for its palm oil-free recipe. It uses a blend of vegetable oils (sunflower and cottonseed) to ensure a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Key features:

• Made in France: A plus for consumers who care about product origin.
• Velvety texture: Perfectly smooth, it spreads effortlessly on crêpes, bread, or brioche.
• Balanced flavour: Its vanillin and hazelnut aromas make it a mild and comforting classic.

Who is it for? For families and anyone looking for a palm oil-free spread with a crowd-pleasing taste reminiscent of the great classics.

Nutella Hazelnut and Cocoa Spread 630 g

What sets it apart: It's THE undisputed benchmark, with a unique taste that's recognisable anywhere. Its recipe, unchanged for decades, has set the market standard.

Key features:

• Inimitable taste: A signature blend of roasted hazelnuts (13%), milk, and cocoa that has earned it worldwide fame.
• Iconic texture: The palm oil gives it that legendary creaminess that never hardens at room temperature.
• Family size: The 630g jar is designed for large families and serious fans.

Who is it for? For die-hard fans of the original taste and anyone for whom "chocolate spread" is synonymous with "Nutella". It's a choice from the heart, a nostalgic indulgence that brings back childhood memories.

LUCIEN GEORGELIN Lot & Garonne Hazelnut / Cocoa Spread 400g

What sets it apart: A gourmet spread that puts regional sourcing and quality hazelnuts first. With 25% roasted hazelnuts from Southwest France, it promises an intense and authentic taste experience.

Key features:

• Hazelnut first: With 25% hazelnuts, the flavour of the nut is powerful, rich, and uncompromising.
• Clean recipe: Palm oil-free, it's made with cane sugar, sunflower oil, and natural vanilla extract.
• Artisanal craftsmanship: Made in the Lot-et-Garonne region of France, it reflects an authentic, local approach.

Who is it for? For gourmets and lovers of bold flavours. If you're looking for a hazelnut spread where the nut is king and a clean ingredient list is non-negotiable, this is the perfect choice.

Craving Even More Indulgence?

Our selection is just a taste of what's available. The world of spreads is endless: almond, pistachio, speculoos... There is a multitude of flavours, textures, and recipes to explore.

? To discover our entire universe, explore our full category of Nut Spreads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What's the difference between a "hazelnut cream" and a "chocolate spread"? Although the two are often confused, the distinction is simple. A hazelnut cream is a product highly concentrated in hazelnuts (often over 40%) with few other ingredients, sometimes just sugar. A classic chocolate spread is a more complex blend including sugar, cocoa, and fats, which gives it a milder taste and a creamier texture.

2. How should I store my chocolate spread? Most spreads should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry cupboard, away from light. Above all, do not put it in the refrigerator! The cold solidifies the fats, making the spread hard and grainy. Just remember to close the jar tightly after each delicious break.

3. Why are so many spreads "palm oil-free"? Palm oil is highly valued in the food industry for the stable and creamy texture it provides. However, its intensive cultivation is often criticised for its environmental impact (deforestation). In response to these concerns, many manufacturers are opting for alternative oils (sunflower, rapeseed, cocoa butter) to create their palm oil-free spreads.